MINUTES
WHITTIER CITY COUNCIL
WHITTIER REDEVELOPMENT SUCCESSOR AGENCY
WHITTIER UTILITY AUTHORITY
WHITTIER HOUSING AUTHORITY
WHITTIER PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR JOINT MEETING
WHITTIER COMMUNITY THEATER, 7630 WASHINGTON AVENUE
JUNE 10, 2025, 6:00 PM
1. CALL TO ORDER - CLOSED SESSION
None.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.A. Approval of Minutes - Closed Session
Approve the May 13, 2025 Closed Session Minutes.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
3.B. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation, significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(e)(1)
Two Cases.
This item was moved to a future meeting.
3.C. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Jenise Johandes and Jon A. Daley v. City of Whittier Claim No. 24-591230- 072
This item was moved to a future meeting.
4. CALL TO ORDER - REGULAR SESSION
Mayor Vinatieri called the Regular Session to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Whittier Community Theater, 7630 Washington Avenue, Whittier, CA 90602.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
5. ROLL CALL
PRESENT:
Joseph A. Vinatieri, Mayor
Octavio Martinez, Mayor Pro Tem
Mary Ann Pacheco, Council Member
Cathy Warner, Council Member
ABSENT
Fernando Dutra, Council Member
STAFF PRESENT:
Conal McNamara, City Manager
Shannon DeLong, Assistant City Manager
Keith Collins, City Attorney
Rigoberto Garcia, Jr., City Clerk
Ben Pongetti, Director of Community Development
Tram Pham, Finance Manager
6. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Warner led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7. CLOSED SESSION REPORT
None.
8. PRESENTATIONS
8.A. California Distinguished Schools, Orchard Dale (EWCSD) This item was moved to a future meeting.
8.B. Acceptance of Assistance League Donation/Summer Reading Program This item was moved to a future meeting.
8.C. Gold Star - Private First Class Matthew Perez
This item was moved to a future meeting.
Mayor Vinatieri reminded members of the public about the rules of decorum and indicated that Council Member Dutra could not be present since he was attending the rosary service for his late father.
City Manager McNamara indicated that the meeting was relocated due to the large volume of speakers.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
9. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Agenda. The motion carried 4-0.
10. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Vinatieri indicated that any members of the audience who wish to deliver a public comment should line up by the lectern and any members of the public on Zoom who wish to deliver a public comment should raise their hand. Staff forwarded and provided copies of the email correspondence to City Council Members for review. Comments regarding the public hearing item will be heard during the public hearing.
The following individuals provided live public comments:
Tom Hall; Javier Garcia; Brandon Arcega; Conny McCormack; Monica Sena; Raquel; Oscar Gil; Teleetha; Hannah; Adriana; Anonymous; Matthew; Britney; Armando; Nico Garza; Jackie; Veronica Gonzalez; Patrick Campbell; James Matusch; Alex Rocha; Rolando Cano; Anonymous; Soleil Montano; Anonymous; Anonymous; Robert Sorrer; Justin Martinez; Anonymous; Melissa; Samantha Sandoval; Diana Perez; Hennesey Moya Carbajal; Anonymous; Vivian Zuniega; Anonymous; Kimberly; Anonymous; Vicky Santana; Anonymous; Anonymous; Andres Vermejo; Francisco Gonzalez; Sofia; Anonymous; Angelina Merced; Anonymous; Anonymous; Anonymous; Gabe Montoya; Anonymous; James Camacho; Mexican-American Citizen; Betty; Anonymous; Estelle; Frank Aguirre; Anonymous; Oscar Alejandro Gonzalez; Monique Alcala; Melanie; Gabby; Alyssa Carrasco; Anonymous; Kimberly; Anonymous; Anonymous; Daniel Velasco; Brenda; Anonymous; Joey Mata; Anonymous; Briana Alexa Torres; Selena; Alexa Gaxiola; Alexis Abalardi; Magdalena Moe; Anonymous; Jefet Diego; Carlos Delgado; David; Anonymous; Janine Rivera; Jenny Martin; Hannah Quinn; Christopher Arreguin; Michael; Jennifer; Isabel Hernandez; Monique Rangel; Anonymous; Nathan Polanco Ortiz; Anonymous; Jesse Arrellano; Anonymous; Anonymous; Anonymous; Anonymous; and Leilani Prieto.
There were no teleconference public comments.
All public comments and documents submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department. A video of the oral communications is available through the City’s website.
RECESS
Mayor Vinatieri called a recess. The meeting reconvened with all Council Members present except Council Member Dutra.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
11. CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager McNamara thanked the members of the public for providing public comment tonight; indicated that ICE did not notify the City in advance they were coming; indicated that the City does not support ICE activity; there is no contract with ICE; detainees are not housed in the City’s jail; the Whittier Police Department does not ask questions about immigration status; and the City respects residents’ rights to peacefully protest.
12. JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
12.A. Waive Further Reading
Recommendation: After the City Clerk has read the title, waive full reading of all resolutions and ordinances on this agenda for adoption.
12.B. Approval of Minutes
Recommendation: Approve the May 13, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
12.C. Claims Against the City
Recommendation: Deny claims filed by, Jorge V. Vera, California Asset Portfolio, Allstate Northbrook Indemnity Company (ASO V.), Jessica Rodriguez, and Sean Morales.
12.D. Whittier Chamber Agreement 2025-26
Recommendation: Renew an agreement with the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $81,000 for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
12.E. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Investment Policy
Recommendation: Approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Investment Policy.
12.F. Assistance League of Whittier Donation to Whittier Public Library Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-22, amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget to accept a grant from the Assistant League of Whittier and appropriate $8,000 for this grant for Library services and programs.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
12.G. 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project – Award of Contract Recommendation:
1) Award the construction contract to the lowest responsive bidder, American Integrated Resources, Inc., in the amount of $326,935 for the 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project;
2) Reject all other bids;
3) Authorize the City Manager to execute a construction contract on behalf of the City;
4) Approve $32,694 in contingency for the 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project subject to the approval of the City Manager; and 5) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-23, amending FY 2024-25 budget in the amount of $359,629 in supplemental funds to be allocated for the 7037 Bright Ave Demolition Project.
12.H. Project Partners Inc. - Professional Services Agreement for Project Management Services - Amendment No. 3
Recommendation: Authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 3 to the Professional Services Agreement (PSA) No. A22-123 with Project Partners Inc. in the amount not to exceed $130,000.
12.I. Sewer and Water Enterprise Funds-Reserve Policy
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-24, establishing minimum reserve balances for sewer and water enterprise funds, and rescinding Resolution No. 2019-37.
12.J. Tract Map No. 72953 - Acceptance of Public Improvement Recommendation: Authorize the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion on behalf of the City and authorize the release of Subdivision Improvement Agreement Bond minus a ten percent retention.
13. PUBLIC HEARINGS
13.A. Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2025-26
Recommendation:
1) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-25, approving a budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026;
2) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-26, approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26; and
3) Adopt Resolution No. 2025-27, amending Resolution No. 8865 to temporarily suspend and waive fees for certain application services related to historic resources.
Adoption of the Whittier Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WHA-2025-01, approving the Whittier Housing Authority budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
Adoption of Whittier Utility Authority Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. WUA-2025-02, approving the budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Salary Resolution
Recommendation: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-28 adopting the 2025-26 salary resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2024-35; and review existing vacancy, recruitment, and retention efforts under Assembly Bill 2561.
Assistant City Manager DeLong presented the report.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
Nolan Carter provided a live public comment.
There were no teleconference public comments.
All public comments and documents submitted are part of the record and are on file with the City Clerk Department. A video of the oral communications is available through the City’s website.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
Assistant City Manager DeLong and Manager Pham answered questions regarding the general fund balance and reserves and allowable expenditures, and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommendations for reserves.
City Clerk Garcia provided the salary range disclosure.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-25, approving a budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026; adopt Resolution No. 2025- 26, approving and adopting the Annual Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025- 26; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-27, amending Resolution No. 8865 to temporarily suspend and waive fees for certain application services related to historic resources. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WHA-2025-01, approving the Whittier Housing Authority budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. WUA-2025-02, approving the budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-28 adopting the 2025-26 salary resolution and rescinding Resolution No. 2024-35; and review existing vacancy, recruitment, and retention efforts under Assembly Bill 2561. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
13.B. 2025-2029 HUD Consolidated Plan, 2025-26 Action Plan, Analysis of Impediments
Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing on: 1) 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, 2) 2025-26 Annual Action Plan, 3) 2025 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice; consider any testimony provided; and direct staff to finalize the documents (including revisions if necessary); authorize the City Manager to execute necessary forms; and submit them to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Director Pongetti presented the report.
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
Director Pongetti answered questions regarding expenditure deadlines; unexpended funds; public outreach; and beneficiaries of programs.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Mayor Pro Tem Martinez seconded a motion to direct staff to finalize the documents; authorize the City Manager to execute necessary forms; and submit them to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The motion carried 4-0.
13.C. 1991 Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91 (Foxley Drive) Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing for the levy and collection of assessments for the Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-29 confirming the assessment and diagram including approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91.
Director Cason provided the presentation.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
Mayor Vinatieri opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Vinatieri closed the public hearing.
Director Cason answered questions regarding the establishment date of the district and rates.
MOTION
Council Member Pacheco moved and Council Member Warner seconded a motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-29 confirming the assessment and diagram including approving the Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Foxley Drive Street Lighting Assessment District No. 01-91. The question was called and the motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Vinatieri recused himself from the items since he owns a business in the Uptown Area and exited the theater stage.
13.D. Parking District No. 1 – Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendation: Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for Parking District No. 1, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-30, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Parking District No. 1 (Multi-Deck).
Parking District No. 2 – Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget
Recommendation: Approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for Parking District No. 2, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-31, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Parking District No. 2 and ordering assessments to be levied for Parking District No. 2.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez opened the public hearing.
There were no public comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Martinez closed the public hearing.
MOTION
Council Member Warner moved and Council Member Pacheco seconded a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget for Parking District No. 1, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-30, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Parking District No. 1 (Multi-Deck); and approve the Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Budget for Parking District No. 2, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-31, confirming the City assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-26 for Parking District No. 2 and ordering assessments to be levied for Parking District No. 2. The question was called and the motion carried 3-0-2, Mayor Vinatieri and Council Member Dutra absent.
Whittier City Council/Redevelopment Successor Agency/Utility Authority June 10, 2025
Minutes
Mayor Vinatieri re-entered the meeting and presided over the meeting.
14. STAFF REPORTS
None.
15. COUNCIL MEMBER / DIRECTOR COMMENTS AND CONFERENCE REPORTS None.
16. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Vinatieri adjourned the meeting at 9:46 p.m.